Lucknow :
Varanasi is set to join the ‘experience tourism club’ with state tourism department deciding to start a heritage walk in the temple town, soon. ‘Circle of life’ walk, promises to be an experience of the Banarasi way of life and will have 16 major attractions in the stretch between Assi Ghat and Dal Mandi.
A meeting of tourism officials with representatives from International Center for Sustainable Cities took place here on Thursday to finalise the route map and work out logistics. Consultant on the job and heritage walk specialist Sameeha Sheth said experience is the work in the tourism sector these days and Varanasi is full of elements to provide a bagful of memories.
“The heritage walk would link all unique tangible and intangible assets of Varanasi, its historic core and significant establishment along the river Ganga. Covering approximately 4 km, the heritage walk would also allow visitors to experience, rituals and expressions performed at different ghats, temples, maths and other significant cultural escapades,” she said.
Talking to TOI, UP Tourism director general Amrit Abhijat said, “More than 160 lakh tourists including 6.5 lakh foreigners head to the city annually. Each comes with his own idea of the world’s oldest city but many fail to get the real feel of the city and go back dissatisfied. Heritage trails are a good way to showcase the best in a place and prepare individuals for a person to person publicity.”
He added that infrastructure on and along the spots on the route and would be augmented. For this the department is collaborating with the local municipal corporation and administration. List of work to be undertaken includes raising signage, putting up waste bins, installing lights, creating public toilets and parking spaces, setting up ticket information kiosks and providing drinking water facilities. Landscaping and creation of photo-points will also be taken care of.
CIRCLE OF LIFE
– State tourism department plans heritage walk in Varanasi, UP’s favourite tourist destination after Agra
– Name proposed for the walk is ‘Circle of life’ promising a visitor experience of Banarasi way of life through its craft, culture and cuisine.
– Consultants said at least three private heritage trails were operating already
– Private tours not giving complete view of Varanasi. Also, very expensive
– Training of guides and volunteers to begin mid-May and walk to commence from July
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Shailvee Sharda, TNN / May 01st, 2015